The distribution of immune cells and macrophages in the endometrium of women with recurrent reproductive failure

Russell, Peter; Anderson, Lyndal; Lieberman, Devora; Tremellen, Kelton; Yilmaz, Helene; Cheerala, Bharathi; Sacks, Gavin

doi:10.1016/j.jri.2011.03.013

Cited by 45 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Although they were initially reported as absent in proliferative endometrium based on histochemical stains to detect cytoplasmic granules, CD56+ cells are detectable, albeit in relatively low numbers . The increase in numbers is seen from day 22 onwards (Russell et al 2011(Russell et al , 2013, and at least some of the increase can be accounted for by local proliferation. The phenotype of uNK cells in non-pregnant endometrium has not been investigated to the same extent as those from early pregnancy decidua, where distinct gestational age differences in phenotype and function have been reported.…”

Section: Relationship Of Unk Cells In Non-pregnant Endometrium and Dementioning

confidence: 95%

“…between zona spongiosum and zona compactum), an initial step should be to establish consistent methodology for quantifi cation of uNK cell numbers in endometrium (Lash et al 2014 ). Furthermore, the date of assessment may vary from LH+6 to LH+9 in different studies, refl ecting a cycle stage when uNK cell numbers can vary dramatically (Russell et al 2011(Russell et al , 2013. It is essential that sampling is on a specifi c day of the cycle or that 'normal' ranges for uNK cell numbers are established in large subject groups.…”

Section: Clinical Applications Of Unk Assessment In Recurrent Reprodumentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Role of Uterine NK Cells in Normal Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders

Bulmer

Lash

2015

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

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The human endometrium contains a substantial population of leucocytes which vary in distribution during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. An unusual population of natural killer (NK) cells, termed uterine NK (uNK) cells, are the most abundant of these cells in early pregnancy. The increase in number of uNK cells in the mid-secretory phase of the cycle with further increases in early pregnancy has focused attention on the role of uNK cells in early pregnancy. Despite many studies, the in vivo role of these cells is uncertain. This chapter reviews current information regarding the role of uNK cells in healthy human pregnancy and evidence indicating their importance in various reproductive and pregnancy problems. Studies in humans are limited by the availability of suitable tissues and the limitations of extrapolation from animal models.

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Section: Relationship Of Unk Cells In Non-pregnant Endometrium and Dementioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Clinical Applications Of Unk Assessment In Recurrent Reprodumentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Uterine NK Cells in Normal Reproduction and Reproductive Disorders

Bulmer

Lash

2015

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

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“…[31][32][33] In humans, ovulation and rising ovarian P4 production promote a marked increase in leukocyte numbers, elevating them to 40% of all endometrial cells in the mid-late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. 31 This gain in leukocyte numbers is primarily due to the accumulation of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. In mice, uNK cell numbers also increase dramatically during development of decidua basalis, while increases in macrophages, monocyte-derived cells and dendritic cells are more prominent in the underlying myometrium.…”

Section: Decidua Basalis-recruiter Of Selected Specialized Immune Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Leukocyte driven-decidual angiogenesis in early pregnancy

et al. 2014

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Successful pregnancy and long-term, post-natal maternal and offspring cardiac, vascular and metabolic health require key maternal cardiovascular adaptations over gestation. Within the pregnant decidualizing uterus, coordinated vascular, immunological and stromal cell changes occur. Considerable attention has been given to the roles of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in initiating decidual spiral arterial remodeling, a process normally completed by mid-gestation in mice and in humans. However, leukocyte roles in much earlier, region specific, decidual vascular remodeling are now being defined. Interest in immune cell-promoted vascular remodeling is driven by vascular aberrations that are reported in human gestational complications such as infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction. Appropriate maternal cardiovascular responses during pregnancy protect mothers and their children from later cardiovascular disease risk elevation. One of the earliest uterine responses to pregnancy in species with hemochorial placentation is stromal cell decidualization, which creates unique niches for angiogenesis and leukocyte recruitment. In early decidua basalis, the aspect of the implantation site that will cradle the developing placenta and provide the major blood vessels to support mature placental functions, leukocytes are greatly enriched and display specialized properties. UNK cells, the most abundant leukocyte subset in early decidua basalis, have angiogenic abilities and are essential for normal early decidual angiogenesis. The regulation of uNK cells and their roles in determining maternal and progeny cardiovascular health over pregnancy and postpartum are discussed.

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“…Numbers of uNK cells increase exponentially as the menstrual cycle progresses (Bulmer & Lash 2005;Russell et al 2011;Russell et al 2013) and therefore timing ofthe biopsy is critical or a reference range of 'normal' uNK cell numbers throughout the menstrual cycle needs to be established. However, before this can be addressed a method which provides consistency between different centres is required and this study has addressed this.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is also no clear definition of a "normal range" of uNK cell numbers, partly because obtaining endometrium from normal fertile control women is difficult. In addition, for practical reasons many centres sample over a 3 day period (LH+6-LH+8 or LH+7-LH+9), but during this time 100 period uNK cell numbers increase exponentially (Russell et al 2011;Russell et al 2013), which may skew clinical results dependent on the "reference range" being used.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%